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Prostate Cancer: Fatty Acids a Factor?
June 22, 2007 -- When it comes to reducing prostate cancer risk, some fatty acids may be more helpful than others, a new study shows.
The study focuses on omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. The body needs both types of fatty acids and can only get them through foods or supplements.
But omega-3s and omega-6s should be in balance, and that balance is often out of whack in typical Western diets, note Wake Forest University's Yong Chen, PhD, and colleagues.
Western diets tend to be heavy on omega-6s and skimpy on omega-3s.
Omega-6s are found in meat and vegetable oils such as safflower oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, and soy oils. Sources of omega-3s include leafy green vegetables, walnuts, flaxseeds, and fatty fish such as salmon, herring, and sardines.
Chen's study, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, suggests that omega-3s may be beneficial against some prostate cancers -- at least, in the mice studied by Chen's team.
Omega-3 Study
Some of the mice in Chen's study lacked a tumor-suppressing gene called Pten.
The mice ate chow laced with omega-3s and/or omega-6s daily for up to six months. Diets rich in omega-3s were linked to slower prostate cancer growth in the mice lacking the Pten gene.
The researchers also studied another group of mice for one year. Prostate cancer survival was best in mice eating lots of omega-3s and lacking the Pten gene.
Omega-6s were a different story. They appeared to hasten prostate cancer and worsen prostate cancer survival in mice lacking the Pten gene.
But the findings weren't quite as simple as "omega-3s good, omega-6s bad." Genes mattered, too.
In mice with normal Pten genes, omega-3s and omega-6s didn't seem to affect prostate cancer for better or worse.
Gene-Diet Link
The findings suggest that genes and diet interact to influence prostate cancer risk, according to the researchers.
Since the study only included mice, it's not clear if the results apply to people.
But observational studies have linked diets rich in omega-3s to lower cancer rates in people, note Chen and colleagues.
- Do you eat enough omega-3s? Talk with other men on our Men’s Health: Man-to-Man message board.
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Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
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